Determinants of Well-Being: A Causal Framework

Area of Science:

• Multidisciplinary research integrating philosophy, psychology, and sustainability science.

Background:

• Diverse philosophical perspectives define well-being, often correlating with subjective life assessments.
• Empirical studies identify factors like health and relationships influencing well-being, but lack causal ordering.
• Understanding causal relationships is vital for effective interventions and accurate effect size estimation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a unified causal framework for human well-being, encompassing various conceptions.
• To focus on pathways relevant to sustainability research and the subjective well-being community.
• To integrate environmental, economic, societal, political, social, and psychological determinants of well-being.

Main Methods:

• Synthesizing insights from theories of human needs, the capabilities approach, and subjective indicators.
• Developing a comprehensive causal model illustrating the interaction of diverse influencing factors.
• Applying the framework to societal interventions, environmental impacts, and sustainable policies.

Main Results:

• The framework provides a structured understanding of interconnected factors influencing well-being.
• It highlights the complex interplay between individual, social, economic, and environmental elements.
• Demonstrates practical applications in policy and intervention design.

Conclusions:

• A unified causal framework is essential for a holistic understanding of well-being.
• The proposed model facilitates targeted interventions for enhanced human and sustainable well-being.
• This approach supports evidence-based policymaking in sustainability and well-being initiatives.